Speakers at Person County meeting allege abuse and seek answers about child deaths in county custody
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Summary
Two members of the public used the meeting's comment period to make extensive allegations against Person County social services, including personal accounts of alleged abuse while in county custody and an allegation that a child named Kimari died while in foster care; speakers called for records, accountability and staff review.
At the Jan. 5 Person County Board of Commissioners meeting, two public commenters made extended, emotional statements alleging systemic failures by the county's child welfare system.
Jada Amor Garnett, who identified herself as an 18-year-old survivor who said she was in county custody from age 5 until aging out, described repeated abuse and neglect while in foster homes and alleged she was not protected by social workers. She named a former foster social worker, Jennifer Hall Rogers, and DSS supervisors, describing instances she said included physical abuse, forced medication and neglect. Garnett asked commissioners to inquire about a payment she said was owed to her and to help secure the funds.
Amanda Wallace, who identified herself as founder of Operation Stop CPS, told the board she was advocating for "justice for Kimari," a child she said died while in the county's custody. Wallace alleged the child was poisoned in a foster home placed by the county and said the county took responsibility when it assumed social services oversight. She urged the board to hold officials accountable and raised concerns about delayed records requests and staff accountability.
Speakers named several county staff they said were involved in cases, including social workers and supervisors. The meeting transcript records these allegations and requests for information; commissioners and staff acknowledged the comments and asked the county manager to report back on certain contract and reporting questions later in the meeting. The board did not take immediate formal action in open session in response to the allegations during the Jan. 5 meeting. Closed-session items later on the agenda included attorney–client consultation and personnel matters, but the public portion did not record additional responses or investigative steps.